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A DESCRIPTION ^ 

i 



OF 



EAST AND WEST FLORIDA 

AND THE 

BAHAMA ISLANDS, 
EAST FLORIDA 

Is situated between 25° and 30*' 43' north latitude, and S' 26' 
and 8° west longitude from Washington. Its extreme length is 610 
miles; its extreme breadth 200 ; its area is about 50,457 square iriles, 
or 32,292,480 acres. 

The whole of the sea coast is low and level; and though in the inte« 
rior there is a ridge of sandy hills of inconside|^ble height, there is no 
bold scenery ; while the country abounds with swamps and marshes, 
to a degree that renders it in many places very unhealthy. On the 
east coast there are numerous inlets, and there are passages from one 
to another, which admit of an inland navigation from St. Augustine to 
Cape Florida. 

The largest river is St, John^s. It rises in an extensive swamp, or 
lake, near the middle of the Peninsula, towards its southern extre- 
mity; and, pursuing a northern course, it falls into the Atlantic 
Ocean 31 miles to the northward of St. Augustine ; its whole length 
being upwards of 300 miles. It is a broad stream, and is navigable 
for vessels drawing 9 or 10 feet water as far as the head of Lake 
George, a distance of about 120 miles. It is navigable with small 
boats a considerable distance above that lake, and it is presumed 
it would be no difficult matter to extend the navigation by a canal to 
some of the rivers which fall into the Gulph of Mexico. This river 
expands into a number of lakes ; one of which. Lake George, is up- 
wards of 20 miles long, by nearly 15 broad ; and is ornamented by a 
number of beautiful islands, abounding with orange-trees and beautiful 
shrubbery. 



4 • ^^2 

^palachicola river divides this province from West Florida. 
It is a large stream, formed by the Chatahouchy and Flint rivers, 
both of which have their sources in Georgia, and are navigable with 
small vessels. 

St. Mary's river forms the boundary between this province and 
Georgia, on the north. It rises in E-o-ke-fa-no-ke swamp ; and after 
a very crooked course of about 1 50 miles, falls into the Atlantic Ocean 
below St. Mary's, between Cumberland and Amelia Islands. It is a 
pretty large, and very deep river ; and can be navigated by large ves- 
sels a considerable way into the interior of the country. 

The principal bays are on the west coast, and are of much im- 
portance, as affording excellent shelter to vessels navigating the 
Gulph of Mexico. 

Afialachee Bay is situated near the western extremity of the pro- 
vince, and receives the waters of St. Mark's river, which rises in 
Georgia. 

St, Josefih's Bay is situated about 100 miles to the southward of 
Apalachee Bay. It receives the river Amajuara, the waters of which 
nearly interlock with those of St. John's river. 

Sfiiritu SantOj or Hillsborough Bay^ is situated in latitude 28^ ; about 
70 miles south of St. Joseph's. It is a capacious inlet, capable of con- 
taining numerous shipping, and admits vessels drawing 24 feet. 

Charlotte Harbour is situated about 80 miles south of Spiritu Santo 
Bay, in lat. 26° 43'. It forms the outlet of Charlotte river, which 
nearly interlocks with St. Johns, between which there may, at some fu- 
ture period, be a communication by a canal. This harbour has excel- 
lent anchorage, and 15 feet water on the bar. 

Chatham Bay is situated near the south end of the Peninsula, and ex- 
tends from Cape Sable to Cape Roman, a distance of more than 70 
miles. 

A great part of the country is sandy and barren, but on the banks of 
the rivers there is much excellent and very fertile land. The intervals 
between the hills are represented as exceedingly rich ; and throughout 
^e whole there are extensive ranges for cattle. 

There seems to be but a small supply of minerals in the country. 
Limestone and iron ore are found on the banks of the Apalachicola ri- 
ver. Near Long Lake, which communicates with St. John's river by a 
small creek, there is a hot mineral spring, which boils with great 
force, and sends out a vast quantity of water, which is perfectly pure, 
but has a disagreeable taste, and a smell like bilge water. 

The climate is somewhat similar to that of Georgia ; but being 



nearly surrounded by the sea, and within the range of the trade winds, 
the summers are generally more cool, and the winters very miid and 
pleasant. Except in the most northern parts, frost and snow are never 
seen ; cattle graze in the fields all winter ; and many places produce 
two crops in the year. The thermometer ranges in summer from 78° 
to 92% and in winter from 40° to 70o. 

This country was first discovered by Cabot in 1497 ; and in 1512 
Ponce sailed along its eastern coast, and took possession of it, on the 
2d of April, in the name of the king of Spain. An attempt was made 
tp settle it in 1522, and a second in 1528 ; a third in 1539 ; and a fourth 
by John Ribault, a Frenchman, in 1562. In 1565 the French settle- 
ment was broken up by the Spaniards, who were, in their turn, expell- 
ed by the French in 1568 ; but the French King disowning the act, the 
French abandoned the country, and it was occupied by the Spaniards. 
In 1763 it was ceded to Britain for Havannah ; but during the Ameri- 
can war, both Floridas were reduced by the Spaniards, and they were 
guaranteed to the crown of Spain by the definitive* treaty of 1783. 
The late change in the Spanish dynasty having loosened the connec- 
tion between the parent country and the colonies, Florida may now be 
considered as in a revolutionary state ; and its future destiny will pro- 
bably be fixed by the voice of the majority of the people. 

Except the division into East and West there seems to have been 
no other. The sub-division into counties and townships is unknown. 
The population, exclusive of the Indians, is very thin. Probably the 
white population does not exceed in all 8,500, of whom a considerable 
portion are from the United States. The principal settlements are 
about St. Augustine, and along the northern part of St. John's river. 
The interior of the country is but little known, and is principally inha- 
bited by the Seminole Indians, a wretched tribe, who are represented 
as being dirty and savage in the highest degree. 

The towns are neither numerous nor important. St. Augustine 
is the capital. It is situated on the east coast, in latitude 29° 45' ; and 
is of an oblong figure, intersected by four streets crossing one another at 
right angles. The inhabitants amount to about 3000. The principal 
public buildings are a church and monastery ; and the city is regularly 
fortified. The principal fortification is the castle of St. Mark, which 
is built of a calcareous stone peculiar to the country ; but excellent for 
the purpose, as it is not liable to be shattered by balls. It is surrounded 
by a ditch of considerable breadth ; and on the top of the walls, about 
40 feet high, are a number of heavy guns, and some mortars. On the 
side next the sea, there is a water battery. The surrounding country 



is quite level, and is commanded by the castle. The greater part of 
the trade of East Florida centres at this place, but it is carried on in 
very small vessels, there being only eight feet of water on the bar. 

Nenv Smyrna is situated on a shelly bluff, on the Musquetoe river, 
about 85 miles south of St. Augustine. It is inhabited mostly by Indians. 

The other places laid down on the map are mostly detached settle- 
ments that require no particular notice. 

In such a country, under such a government, improvements are ncft 
to be looked for ; the inhabitants may be said to do little more than 
exist. There is nothing to stimulate them to exertion. There is no 
patriotism nor public spirit in the officers of government, who are m 
truth accountable to nobody ; and the public good is made the sport of 
a wretched faction, calling themselves the servants of Ferdinand VII. 
But the country is of great and peculiar importance to the United 
States, of which it will, in all probability, at no distant period, form a 
very interesting, section. It presents a frontier to the state of Georgia 
nearly 200 miles in length, inhabited by a cruel race of Indians, whom 
they will then be able to check and controul. It has a sea coast nearly 
1000 miles in extent, so that it is remarkably well situated for trade, 
particularly in small vessels to the West Indies, to which it is conti- 
guous. The Apalachicola, already noticed, forms its western bounda- 
ry ; and this fine river, as it will convey to the gulph of Mexico all the 
exportable produce of the western parts of Georgia, will be of great 
importance, both to the inhabitants of Florida and Georgia ; and it is of 
course desirable that the trade on it be entirely free. The interest, 
indeed, of those who inhabit East Florida and Georgia is so insepara- 
bly connected, that we may with confidence look forward to a period 
when it will be one. Then will the inhabitants of Florida feel and ap- 
preciate the blessings of self-government, and industry having its cer- 
tain reward, the country will rapidly improve in population and na- 
tional wealth. 

WEST FLORIDA 

Is situated between 29° 45' and 31° north latitude ; and 8° and l( 
U' west longitude. Its extreme length is 154 miles, and breadth 88. 
Its area about 6112 square miles, or 3,91 1,680 acres. 

This province originally extended from the Apalachicola river to 
the Mississippi; but that part of it which lies to the westward of the 
Perdido river being called by the French Louisiana, and mcluded m 
the cession of that country to the United States, West Florida is now 



reduced to the forementioned limits. It is bounded on the north by the 
Mississippi territory ; on the west by the Perdido river, which divides 
it from said territory ; on the south by the gulph of Mexico ; and on the 
east by the _Apalachicola river, which divides it from East Florida. 

Near the sea coast the ground is low, flat, and sandy ; but towards 
the north it becomes more elevated, and the soil improves. 

The Apalachicola river, which divides this from East Florida, has 
been already noticed ; there are no other rivers of great importance 
but there are some spacious bays. 

St. Josefih^s bay is situated to the westward of Apalachicola river ; 
and St, Andreiv's bay is to the northward : both are of considerable ex- 
tent, and may hereafter be of great importance to the trade of this part 
of the country. 

St, Rose's bay has its entrance between St. Rose*s island and the 
main land, and extends to the north and east about 30 miles. It forms 
the outlet of Choctaw river ^ which rises in the Mississippi territory ; 
through which it holds a very serpentine course, of about 45 miles, to 
Florida ; and throtigh Florida, about 25 miles more, to its outlet. 

The most important bay is that of Pensacola^ which is about 25 miles 
long, and 7 or 8 broad. The entrance, at the west end of St. Rose's 
island, is 2 miles broad, and 2 1 feet deep ; and is defended by a batte- 
ry on the west side. This bay receives two rivers, the Conecuh^ and 
Yellow Water^ both of which have their source a considerable way in 
the interior of the Mississippi territory. 

Perdido bay^ which forms the western boundary, is about 25 miles 
long, by 6 or 7 broad ; but, being shallow, it is fit for navigation by very 
small craft only. 

St. Rose's island is a narrow strip of land, which stretches between 
Pensacolabay and St. Rose's bay ; and is separated from the main land 
by a narrow channel, navigable with small craft. 

The soil and climate are nearly assimilated to those of East Florida. 

The fiofiulation^ except about Pensacola, is very thin. Probably the 
whole province does not contain above 1200 or 1500 inhabitants. 

Pensacola is the chief town. It is handsomely situated on the west 
side of Pensacola bay, and is of an oblong form, about a mile long, and 
a quarter of a mile broad. The harbour is a fine body of water, hav- 
ing four fathoms at its entrance, which deepens to 7 or 8. It is spa- 
cious, and secure from every wind. The place is healthy and agreea- 
ble, and is finely situated for trade, of which, while in the hands of the 
British, it had a large share ; and the town contained several hundreds 
of houses, and some spacious public buildings. Under the manage- 



ment of the Spanish government, it has been on the decline ; and the 
only public building now worth notice is the governor'' s fialace^ a large 
stone building, ornamented with a toiver. 

BAHAMA ISLANDS. 

These islands are at all times of importance to the United States. 
In peace they are a market for many articles of produce ; and during 
the present " unprofitable contest, who can do each other the most 
harm," they form an extensive field for privateering. 

The Bahama islands are very numerous, and extend over a great 
space ; stretching from N. latitude 20<> to 27°, and from 69^ to 80®. W. 
longitude from Greenwich. To the south are the important islands of 
Cuba and St. Domingo, and to the west is the peninsula of East Flori- 
da, from which they are separated by the gulph of Florida, a channel 
about 60 miles broad. By far the greater part of these islands are 
mere uninhabited rocks. The most important of them may be' no- 
ticed in their order from north to south. 

Bahama Island, although it is 63 miles long, and 9 wide, and gives 
name to the whole group, is uninhabited. 

Abaco contained, in 1789, 2000 acres of cleared land, but many of the 
settlers have since deserted it. 

Andreas is a long, narrow, rocky island, possessing a light soil. A 
few planters with their slaves are settled on it. 

New Providence, or Nassau Island, is by far the most important 
in the group. It is about 35 miles long, and 27 broad ; and contains 
800 square miles, or 512,000 acres ; but in the interior it is little culti- 
vated, though it is rendered important by its situation for trade ; and 
by containing the town of Nassau, the capital of all the Bahamas. 

Nassau is situated on the north side of the island, and rises from 
the harbour, by a pretty steep ascent, to the summit of a ridge that lies 
parallel with the coast. The streets are regular and well paved. The 
houses are mostly built of stone, and many of them are handsome. 
The principal public buildings are an elegant house for the governor-» 
general ; a court-house, two churches, a jail, work-house, and commo- 
dious barracks for the troops. The town is divided into two parishes, 
and in 1801 contained 1599 white persons, 752 free blacks, and 3861 
slaves. It enjoys a very extensive commerce with England and the 
West Indies ; and, before the war, it carried on an active intercourse 



9 

with the United States, from whence the inhabitants were supplied 
with live stock and provisions. 

The climate is represented as being very pleasant, and is favour- 
able to vegetation, which renders the neighbourhood of the town beau- 
tiful, being diversified with shrubbery, fruit trees, and orange groves. 

Guanihani^ or Cat Island^ is remarkable as being the firbt landing 
place in America of the immortal Columbus, who called it St. Salva- 
dor. It is upwards of 100 miles long, but it is of no great breadth. In 
1783 it was settled by a number of royalists from the southern states. 
In 1788 it contained 40 families, having 458 slaves. The principal 
village is Port Howe. 

Watling-'s island^ though settled but a few years, is represented as 
being one of the nmost thriving in the group. 

Exuma Island is situated 144 miles south-east of Providence. It is 
about 40 miles long and 3 broad, and contains a few inhabitants. It;has 
a port of entry, which is one of the best in these seas for small vessels. 

Long Island is situated about 30 miles to the eastward of Exuma. 
It is 100 miles long and 3 or 4 broad, and contains some pretty good 
soil. It was settled before the American war, and now contains about 
1000 inhabitants, including slaves. 

Crooked Island gr on fie is situated about 50 miles south-east of Long 
Island, and includes Castle Island, Crooked Island, Acklin's Island, 
and Atwood's Keys. Crooked Island consists of two parts, and is 67 
miles long, and 7 or 8 broad. It was uninhabited till 1783, when it 
was settled by a number of royalists from Georgia and Carolina. It 
now contains a number of plantations, and 1000 or 1200 inhabitants, ^ 
great part of whom are slaves. Pittstown^ the capital, is but a small 
village, but is rendered important by being the stopping place of the 
Jamaica packets. Long Key is situated between the two islands, and 
contains several very extensive salt ponds. 

The Inaguas are two in number, the great and little. The largest 
is 15 miles long and 15 broad, but is of no value except for salt. 

The Caicos lie to the eastward of the Inaguas, and are distant from 
Providence 250 miles, and 60 from St. Domingo. Grand Caicos is 
about 30 miles long, and is pretty well inhabited. It contains some 
pretty good land, and a port of entry. 

Turks Islands lie to the south-east of the Caicos, and are chiefly re- 
markable for the vast quantity of salt they furnish. The largest 
island is called the Grand Turk^ and contains a salt pond upwards of a 
mile long. Another salt pond, of nearly equal size, is situated on Salt 
Key. In the eai^ part of the year the salt in these ponds crystallizes 



10 

into solid cakes ; but the process is facilitated by the use of salt pans. 
These pans are filled with water about 6 inches deep, from whence the 
fresh water is speedily evaporated. A single labourer can gather 50 
or 60 bushels of salt in a day. There are but few residents on the 
islands, but a vast number of persons come over every year from Ber- 
muda, for the purpose of raking the salt. The island has been es- 
tablished as a free port, from which, before the war, the Americans 
were permitted to carry away the salt on paying a duty of 3li cents 
per ton. The annual supply of these islands has been estimated at 
above 30,000 tons. 

The soil is sandy, and but little cultivated. The few inhabitants 
that live on them disavow all connection with the other Bahama islands. 

The whole inhabitants in the Bahama islands have been estimated 
at 4000 whites, and 1 1,000 blacks. The white inhabitants are of two 
classes, called residents and wreckers. The residents are chiefly loyal- 
ists and their descendants, who emigrated from the southern states of 
America, at the close of the war. The wreckers are those persons 
and their slaves, who are employed in rescuing shipwrecked vessels, 
and their crews and cargoes, from the waves. They are excellent 
sailors and swimmers, and being well acquainted with the keys, shoals, 
and breakers, they are well qualified to follow their business ; but it is 
said that they often endeavour by various ways to increase the number 
of shipwrecks for the benefit of their trade. Since the declaration of 
War, many of them are engaged in privateering. 



ACCOUNT OF THE MOST IMPORTANT PLACES IN THE 
UNITED STATES BORDERING UPON FLORIDA 
AND THE GULPH OF MEXICO. 

St. Mary's, in Georgia, is situated on the north bank of St. Mary's 
river, which separates it from Florida. It is 135 miles from Savannah, 
and there is a tolerably good road all the way. The population by last 
census was 379 white persons, 30 free negroes, and 206 slaves. The 
situation being low, the high spring tides overflow the town, but it is 
upon the whole pretty healthy. It is favourably situated for trade, 
having a good harbour, with sufficient depth of water to admit vessels 
drawing 17 feet. This place is of great importance viewed in connec- 
tion with Florida ; as it will be the general rendezvous for the troops 
that may be employed against St. Augustine, or other parts of that 
province. Amelia hlandy which has of late become ^etty conspicuous;, 



11 

is situated on the south side of the entrance of the harbour. It has 
been deemed expedient to station a small naval force in that quarter, 
and to erect a block house on Trader's hill, on St. Mary's river*:^ 

From the mouth of St. Mary's river to the Perdido river, along the 
line, is nearly 400 miles, a great part of which is occupied by tribes 
of Indians, from whom there is just reason to dread every cruelty 
usually practised by these people upon their neighbours, unless a 
check is put to it by getting possession of the country. 

It has been already stated, that the country which lies to the west- 
ward of the Perdido river, was included in the cession of Louisiana to 
the United States. That part of it which lies between the Perdido 
river and Pearl river has been annexed to the Mississippi territory ; 
and that between the Pearl river and the Mississippi has been annexed 
to the new state of Louisiana. 

The country between Pensacola and Mobile, being a distance of 
about 70 miles, is nearly an uninhabited desart. We then come to 
the Mobile Bay, a handsome inlet 30 miles long, and of considerable 
breadth. The inlet is about 5 miles broad, but it soon expands to 25 
miles, and again contracts towards the head to 12 miles, where it re« 
ceives the Mobile river. On the bar at the entrance of this bay, there 
is about 16 feet water; through the bay there is generally about 2 or 3 
fathoms ; but in the upper part there is only 10 or 12 feet. The town of 
Mobile is built on the west side of the Mobile river, at its entrance 
into Mobile bay. The situation is handsome, and some of the houses 
are tolerably good. The inhabitants are estimated at about 400, and 
have a considerable trade in beef, pork, and corn. There is a brick 
fort a few miles below the city. 

The Mobile river is composed of two branches, the Alabama and 
Tombigbee, which unite about 40 miles above the town. The Alabama 
has its rise in Georgia ; the highest branch is called the Estenawry, and 
rises within a few miles of the boundary of Tennessee, near the Hi- 
wassee river, a branch of the Tennessee. 

After a course of nearly 100 miles, it is joiifed by the Hiowee from 
the eastward, and the united streams there receive the name of 
Coosa Hatcha, and under that appellation run a course of 150 miles, 
and receive th^ waters of Tallapoosee. It then assumes the name of 
Alabama, and runs about 120 miles to where it forms a junction with 
the Tombigbee, at Fort Stoddart. 

The head of Tombigbee river is within a few miles of the Ten- 
nessee river, to the westward of the Muscle shoals, where it is 
called Natarchucky, and running a south-eastward course of 120 



12 

miles, it receives a great number of tributary streams, and then 
makes a bend to the westward, about 40 miles, to Fort Tumbeckbey ; 
from Vhence it flows, with a crooked passage, in a south-east direc- 
tion, of about 150 miles to its junction with the Alabama. 

Both these rivers have a fine navigation, and are of great importance to 
this country. The Tombigbee is navigable with sloops to Fort Stephen, 
and beyond that for smaller vessels, to within 50 miles of Bear Creek, 
a navigable branch of the Tennessee river. The Alabama is represented 
as a most beautiful river, with a clear gentle current, flowing at the 
rate of 2 miles an hour ; from three to four hundred yards broad, and 
from 15 to 18 feet deep in the driest seasons. It is navigable to with- 
in 55 miles of a navigable pomt on the Hiwassee river, which falls into 
the Tennessee. 

Pascagoula River is a pretty important stream, but it is very shoal 
at the outlet, admitting only vessels drawing 4 feet. The water 
deepens however after crossing the bar, and there is a good boat navi- 
gation for 150 miles. The soil on its banks, in the interior of the coun- 
try, is represented as excellent. 

From Mobile bay to Pearl river, the population is very inconsidera- 
ble. There are a few settlements on the banks of the Pascagoula, and 
a few more, chiefly French people, round the bay of St. Louis; but in 
general the country does not exhibit any appearance of cultivation 
whatever. Even the roads are nothing but mere Indian paths, and the 
scattered settlements exhibit but slight indications of the existence of 
a government. Such was the state of the country a few years ago, 
while under the Spanish dominion. Now that it is formally annexed 
to the United States, we may with confidence look forward to a great 
and rapid improvement, the efl*ect of the energies of a free people. 

Pearl River is an important stream rising in the Mississippi territory, 
near the 33d degree of lat. and pursuing a southward course of more 
than 200 miles, falls into lake Borogne, a little to the eastward of lake 
Ponchartrain. This river is represented as being navigable 1 50 miles. 
It has 7 feet water at it^ntrance, and is considerably deeper thereafter; 
but the navigation is at present very much obstructed by logs. From 
the importance of its situation, however, it will no doubt soon be 
cleared, and aff*ord a very valuable outlet to the inhabitants of this 
part of the country. 

The country between this river and the Mississippi has recently 
been added to the state of Louisiana, to which it is considered an im- 
portant appendage, as appears by the following extract from Governor 
Claiborne's message to the legislature. <' The consideration of the 



13 

act of congress, which provides for the enlargement of the limits ol 
this state, has justly been considered as of primary importance. By 
that act a considerable tract of country, rich in natural resources, and 
highly improved by the hand of industry, is, with the assent of the 
legislature, to be added to Louisiana. This accession of wealth and 
strength was earnestly desired by the convention of New Orleans, and 
the general government, in according it, has given a further proof 
of regard for the welfare of this section of the union." 

The reputation of that part of this country that borders upon th*^ 
Mississippi is very high. The lands are rich, and mostly settled b> 
Americans. The settlement of Baton Rouge extends along the rive"^ 
9 leagues, and is remarkable as being the first place where the higi* 
land is contiguous to the river. Below this is the Ibberville river, 
along which the Mississippi runs when it is high, and, passing through 
lakes Maurepas and Pont chart rain, communicates with the Gulph of 
Mexico, near the mouth of the Pearl river. 

An account of Madisonviile recently appeared in the National In- 
telligencer, from which I shall make a few extracts, as it throws con- 
siderable light on this part of the country. 

" Madisonviile is handsomely situated on the w6st bank of the river 
Tchefonta^ 2 miles above its entrance into lake Ponchartrain. At pre- 
sent this town has little more than the name attached to an elegant, 
healthy, and eligible spot of ground for a sea port. About half a dozen 
French built mud-walled huts, and about as many log-houses, and two 
or three small frame houses, are all its present improvements. 

" The land east and west of the town along the borders of the lake 
is a sandy flat, extending from 5 to 20 miles from their shores, and 
nearly as level as the ocean, which seems to have receded from it. 

" Lake Ponchartrain is said to be about 30 miles wide, and about 60 
long. It has an even sandy bottom, which seems to be a continua- 
tion of the inclined plane of the coast, gradually descending till it 
reaches the southern shore, which is characterized by a muddy bottom, 
and a marshy, swampy margin." It is about 12 or 14 feet deep. 

" Madisonviile is favourably situated for the coasting and West 
India trade, having about two days sail in going out, and about two 
weeks sail in coming in. the advantage of New Orleans. It lies more 
convenient to the necessary supplies for repairing and building vessels ; 
it is believed to be a more healthy situation, less infected with mus- 
c^uetoes, and furnished with good spring water." 

The lands back from Madisonviile are represented as being rich and 
fertile, capable of producing sugar, rice, wheat? Indian corn, cot- 



i ' 

ton, peas, sweet potatoes, and pompions ; and the country sustains a 
considerable population. 

" Madisonville is understood to be chosen by the agents of the 
navy department for repairing and even building of small vessels of 
war for the southern station, and it seems peculiarly adapted to these 
purposes. The vicinity abounds with oak, pine, and cypress; here 
also tar is made in abundance ; the spun hemp, or rope yarn of Ken- 
tucky, may be brought as cheap to this harbour as to any other, and 
the rigging may be laid to order at the navy yard with the greatest 
economy, and advantage to the public service. Provisions will also be 
furnished here of as good a quality, and as cheap, as in any other sea 
port. The country between the Pearl river and Mississippi is ex- 
tremely favourable to the growth of hogs ; and cattle are reared to as 
great perfection, and perhaps to as great extent, on the waters of the 
Pearl river, and particularly in the Choctaw nation of Indians, as in 
any other part of the United States. 

New Orleans is the capital of Louisiana, and the great metropo- 
lis of this part of the western world ; and is from its situation very 
much interested in the destinies of the Floridas. While under the 
Spanish yoke, like all their other possessions, it was oppressed and 
insuhed by enormous extortion and bombastic pride. Now that it 
holds a respectable rank as one of the first commercial cities in a 
countr)' enjoying the inestimable blessing of self-government, it rises 
in extent and wealth in an almost unprecedented degree. 

It is iutuated in N. lat. 29° ^1' — 108 miles from the sea. It is re- 
gularly laid out, the streets crossing one another at right angles ; but 
they are rather' narrow, and being unpaved, they are in wet weather 
muddy and disagreeable. The town is however well supplied with 
side paverrAcnts. There is a square in the centre, in which stands the 
cathedral and town house. The houses on the principal streets are 
built of brick, but the others are mostly of wood. By the census of 
1810 the city contained 17,242 inhabitants, including 5,796 slaves, and' 
4,950 free negroes. 

Behind New Orleans a canal a mile and a half long communicates 
with a creek that flows into lake Ponchartrain. I'hrough this com- 
munication small craft can pass and repass to and from West Florida, 
and there is every probability that the navigation by this route will 
improve. 

On the east side of the Mississippi, about 15 miles below New Or- 
leans, at the English Turn, there is a settlement known by the name of 
Terre au Boeuf. The inhabitants are mostly Spaniards, from the Ca- 



15 

nary islands, whose employment is raising vegetables for the market 
of New Orleans. At this place there is a creek that runs to the east- 
ward, and, dividing into two branches, falls into the sea and lake Bo- 
rogne. The lands on the banks of the creek are susceptible of great 
improvement, and the creek may in time admit of a communication by 
small craft between the sea and Mississippi. 

About 45 miles below New Orleans there are a few settlements, 
but they are of little importance. From these to Fort Placquemines, 
the country is overflowed in the spring freshets, and is almost a per* 
feet morass. 

From Fort Placquemines to the sea, the country is low and swampy^ 
having no settlements whatever. It will be seen by an inspection of 
the map, that the whole of this tract has been formed by the alluvion 
brought down by these mighty waters. About 8 miles below Placque- 
mines, the river divides itself into three channels, called passes. The 
east pass is divided into two branches called, a la Louvre and the 
Balize, Between them is the Balize island, on which there is a small 
block-house, and some huts of the pilots who reside there. The pass 
a la Louvre has only eight feet water on the bar ; the east or Balize 
pass has from 14 to 16. The south pass has about eight. The bars 
are very narrow, and immediately after crossing them there is from 5 
to 7 fathoms water in all the passes. 

A SHORT VIEW OF THE RECENT TRANSACTIONS RE- 
LATIVE TO TAKING POSSESSION OF THE FLORIDAS. 

It has been stated in the account of West Florida, that the countiy 
which is situated to the westward of the Perdido river was included in 
the cession of Louisiana to the United States. The Spanish government 
however resisted the claim, and the government of the United States, 
unwilling to be involved in a quarrel, although they maintained the 
claim, yet they declined to take possession of the country, hoping to 
get every point aiTanged by amicable negociation. But the dynasty of 
Spain being changed, it became necessary to take a decisive course ; 
and the country in question was accordingly formally taken possession 
of by the United States ; that portion of it west of the Pearl river was 
annexed to the new state of Louisiana ; and, on the 14th of May last 
year, the portion east of the Pearl river was constituted a part of the 
Mississippi Territory. 

In the mean time, that part of Florida that lies to the eastward of 
Perdido river, including the peninsula of East Florida, became an ob- 



16 

ject of great solicitude with the government of the United States; 
From its great importance to the southern section of the union, they 
had been induced to open a negociation with the government of Spain, 
for the acquisition of the territory by purchase ; but a stop was put to 
it by the Spanish revolution; and this was further embarrassing, as 
the Spanish government was indebted in a large sum for spoliations 
committed on the trade of the United States. Under these circum- 
stances, it was 'determined to watch the progress of events; to keep a 
strict eye upon Florida, as the only indemnification that would probably 
be obtained for these spoliations ; and, at all events, to prevent any 
foreign power from obtaining possession of the country. It was after- 
wards deemed expedient to endeavour to obtain the provisional occu- 
pation of the country, with the consent of the existing local authorities; 
and on the 26th of February, 1811, General Matthews and Colonel 
M'Kee were charged with that important service, having instructions, 
at the same time, to take forcible possession of the country in the 
event of its being occupied by a foreign power. 

In the month of March, 1812, a revolution commenced in East Flo- 
rida, when General Matthews, actuated by zeal for the public service, 
conceived it necessary to the safely of the United States to take mea- 
sures for the occupation of Amelia Island, and other parts of the 
country; but the transaction not having been contemplated by his 
instructions, was disavowed on the part of the government of the 
United States, his powers were revoked, and the governor of Georgia 
w^as appointed to negociate the restoration of the country to the Spa- 
nish authorities; it being understood that the troops should not be 
withdrawn unless it could be done with safety to the patriots; and it was 
determined, at all events, to prevent the entrance of any foreign force. 

The sentiment seems now to have become pretty general, that pos- 
session of the country should be taken at all hazards. Accordingly, 
in a secret session of congress, held in the month of June, 1812, on 
motion of Mr. Troup of Georgia, it was resolved, in the house of re- 
presentatives, by a majority of 58 to 51, that the president should, un- 
der certain contingencies, take possession of Florida; but the resolu- 
tion was rejected in the senate by a small majority. 

The governor of Georgia, in pursuance of his instructions, proceed- 
ed to St. Mary's, when he found that the progress of the revolution in 
East Florida was stopped before St. Augustine; the patriots being un- 
able alone to attack that formidable post ; and the American troops, not 
being permitted to act on the offensive, could, of course, render no as- 
sistance. It was considered, however, inconsistent with the principles 



17 

of justice and humanity to the patriots, as well as of sound policy to- 
wards tha United States, to withdraw the troops from the country. 
The personal ting as governor of Florida attempted to dislodge them 
by force, but did not succeed ; and thus terminated, for the present, all 
amicable negociation. 

In the course of the summer and autumn it was found that the Spa- 
nish officers in St. Augustine, St. Marks, and Pensacola, were using 
every effort to stimulate the Indians to acts of hostility against the in- 
habitants of the United States. With those within the lines of the 
United States they did not fully succeed; but the Seminoles, w^hose 
towns are in East Florida, were guilty of such outrages as left lio room 
to doubt of their intentions, and of the arts that had been used to stir 
them up. 

To provide for the safety of the frontier, the governor ordered gene- 
ral Floyd to cause a block-house to be erected on Trader's hill, and 
put a small garrison into it; with directions to pursue and punish the 
Indians if they should again appear in a hostile attitude in that quarter. 
About the same time colonel Newnan, at the head of 250 Georgia 
volunteers, was dispatched by colonel Smith, from before St. Augus- 
tine, against the hostile Indians, and after several skirmishes succeeded 
in killing and wounding a considerable number, and in doing consider- 
able injury to their settlements. But they were by no means reduced 
to obedience, and the apprehension of danger not subsiding, the gover- 
nor gave orders to have a stock of provender contracted for, and de- 
posited at Trader's hill, for 500 cavalry; and intended, as soon as those 
supplies were procured, to order that number to take the field ; and the 
state legislature having met, while these operations were going for- 
ward, the subject was submitted to their immediate attention. 

A joint committee of both houses of the legislature was accordingly 
appointed to take under consideration so much of the governor's mes- 
sage as related to East Florida; and on the 20th of November last they 
made a report stating: That having fully considered all the circum- 
stances connected with East Florida, as they relate to, and affect the 
interest of the state of Georgia ; they were of opinion that immediate 
and decisive measures must be adopted by the general or state govern- 
ment, for the possession and occupancy of that province. 

They express their astonishment and regret at the policy which in- 
fluenced the dissenting members of the senate of the United States in 
rejecting the bill of the house of representatives on tliat subject; as 
experience had since proved that it was a line of policy subversive of 
the safety and tranquillity of that section of the country. 



18 

They urge that the safety of the people is the first consideration 
which presses itself in all national councils ; and conclude^Mat consi- 
dering the state " in such imminent danger as will not a^pmt of delay," 
they were of opinion that it was constitutionally vested with the power 
immediately to organize a sufficient force to march into the province of 
East Florida, and to occupy it; the occupation to be relinquished by the 
state troops as soon as the national legislature should have adopted effi- 
cient measures to relieve the people from the imminent danger with 
which they were menaced. 

No movement of any importance has taken place in that quarter 
since this report. The troops of the United States still occupy their 
station in East Florida ; and the Spanish authorities hold possession of 
St. Augustine. The governor has lately issued a proclamation, in the 
name of Ferdinand VII. , inviting the patriots to lay down their arms, 
and avail themselves of the royal amnesty; wh* h the patriots, in a 
counter proclamation, have rejected with great di§tlain, and pledge 
themselves " to support the glorious cause in which they are engaged, 
and to persist until they secure the safety, independence, and liberty of 
themselves and constituents/' 

The latest report on the subject of East Florida, is, that it has been 
ceded to Great Britain by Spain; an event not at all improbable. 
Should this be the case, the country will immediately become the thea- 
tre of hostilities, a^id a bloody war will probably ensue. This, however, 
though it may be a calamitous event for the United States, for the pre- 
sent, will be ultimately attended with beneficial consequences, inasmuch 
as it will put them in the undoubted possession of a country of compa- 
ratively little importance to any other power, but which, from its rela- 
tive situation, its great extent of sea-coast, and containing the outlets of 
numerous navigable rivers rising in the United States, is of great im- 
portance to the southern section of this country. 

P. S. Since the above was put to press, an account has been received, by way of 
Charleston, that the troops of the United States were to evacuate the province of 
East Florida; that general Pinckney had arranged with governor Kindelan the man- 
ner of evacuation ; and that the most of the patriots had gone to St. Augustine, and 
taken the oath of allegiance under the new constitution. The rumour of the coui>try 
being ceded to Great Britain still prevails ; and an account, by way of Savannah, 
states, that general Pinckney is to concentrate his forces at St. Mary's, where he will 
receive considerable reinforcements. In every point of view, Florida may be consi- 
dered as in a revolutionary state. Its continuance as a Spanish colony depends alto- 
gether upon the old dynasty being established in Spain, of which there is hardly any 
chance ; and its becoming a British colony is altogether incompatible with the safety 
and welfare of the' southern states. Its fate is completely involved in the present 
war ; and there is little doubt but the issue will secure the independence of Florida. 






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